1.
indifference; apathy; lack of interest
The quality or state of being indifferent or uninterested. The noun form of the na-adjective 無関心, used when referring to indifference as a thing or concept itself.
彼の無関心さに驚いた。
I was surprised by his indifference.
政治への無関心さが問題になっている。
Apathy toward politics has become a problem.
若者の社会問題への無関心さが指摘されている。
The indifference of young people toward social issues has been pointed out.
環境問題に対する無関心さは、将来に大きな影響を及ぼす。
Indifference to environmental problems will have a major impact on the future.
Formed by adding the suffix さ to the na-adjective 無関心 (indifferent; uninterested), converting it into a noun that refers to the quality itself. This pattern (na-adjective + さ) is productive: 親切さ (kindness), 真剣さ (seriousness), etc.
Often used in discussions of social or political apathy, especially in media commentary.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 政治への無関心さ: political apathy
- 社会への無関心さ: social indifference
- 他人への無関心さ: indifference toward others
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 無関心: indifferent — the base na-adjective form
- 無頓着: unconcerned; carefree — implies not caring about details or appearances, often about personal matters
- 冷淡: cold; indifferent — emphasizes emotional coldness toward a person, more personal than 無関心さ